Farriers
Go straight to the latest news about farriers
Farriers have to undertake a four-year apprenticeship to learn how to trim, balance and apply shoes to the horse’s hooves. If they pass their exams, they are then qualified to shoe horses without supervision. Farriers learn blacksmithing skills in order to prepare horseshoes, but a blackmith is NOT allowed to shoe horses under UK law.
The farriery industry is regulated by the Farriers Registration Council in the United Kingdom. The National Farriers Training Agency used to oversee the farriery apprenticeship, but was shut down following a poor OFSTED report in July 2013. The apprenticeships are now run by a handful of colleges around the country.
Horse & Hound followed the ups and downs of apprentice Roland Thompson as he retrained to become a qualified farrier in a regular blog, Roland’s Nags and Nails from 2011 to 2013.
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Massive changes to veterinary legislation will affect all who treat horsesBy Lucy Elder Published
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Farrier jailed for serious sexual offences is struck off to protect women and girlsBy Eleanor Jones Published
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Campaign launched to raise awareness of possible risks of inhaling hoof smokeBy Lucy Elder Published
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Farrier who ‘blamed everyone but himself’ struck off after horse welfare convictionBy Eleanor Jones Published
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NAF Five Star PROFEET Farrier of the Year 2025By Carol Phillips Published
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Is now the time for the barefoot trimming industry to be regulated?By Becky Murray Published
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Suspension for farrier who held horse still to hit him in the head with a hammerBy Eleanor Jones Published
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‘It lights up their day’: farrier Father Christmas and Shetland ‘reindeer’ delight children with hospital visitBy Eleanor Jones Published
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NAF Five Star PROFEET Farrier of the Year 2024By Carol Phillips Published
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New trophy created with shoe belonging to The late Queen’s much-loved pony EmmaBy Becky Murray Published
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‘Wholly inappropriate’: High Court dismisses appeal of farrier who punched and kicked ponyBy Eleanor Jones Published
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‘What we’re there for’: firefighting farrier saves elderly dog in house fireBy Eleanor Jones Published
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6 common hoof problems to keep an eye out forBy Alex Robinson Published
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Relief for apprentice farriers as delayed exams get the go-aheadBy Becky Murray Published
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Wet, muddy legs — and more of your farrier’s pet hatesBy Amanda Vlietstra Published
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Is farriery a craft or a profession? It’s time to make your mind up!By Robbie C Richardson RSS WCF Published
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Wait continues for apprentice farriers due to sit examsBy Becky Murray Published
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Farriers’ shock as organisations’ dispute leaves exams in limboBy Becky Murray Published
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Concerns shortage of farriers in certain regions will hit horse welfareBy Becky Murray Published